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Labeling of Proteins in vitro (S9101)

Protocol

Dissolve the vial of SNAP-Cell 360 (50 nmol) in 50 μl of fresh DMSO to yield a labeling stock solution of 1 mM SNAP-tag substrate. Mix by vortexing for 10 minutes until all the SNAP-tag substrate is dissolved. Dilute this 1 mM stock solution 1:4 in fresh DMSO to yield a 250 µM stock for labeling proteins in vitro.

Set up the reactions, in order, as follows:

Component

Volume

Final
Concentration

1X PBS

42μl

1X

50 mM DTT

1 μl

1 mM

50 µM SNAP-tag
Purified Protein

5 μl

5 µM

250 µM SNAP-tag
Substrate

2 μl

10 µM

Total Volume

50 μl

Incubate in the dark for 30 minutes at 37°C.

Run sample on an SDS-PAGE gel and detect using a fluorescent gel scanner or store samples at -20°C or -80°C in the dark.

Removal of Unreacted Substrate (Optional)
After the labeling reaction, the unreacted substrate can be separated from the labeled SNAP-tag fusion protein by gel filtration or dialysis. Please refer to the vendor’s instructions for the separation tools you are using.

Notes for Labeling in vitroWe recommend the routine addition of 1 mM DTT to all buffers used for handling, labeling and storage of the SNAP-tag. The stability of the SNAP-tag is improved in the presence of reducing agents; however it can also be labeled in their absence, if handling at temperatures above 4°C is minimized.

SNAP-tag fusion proteins can be purified before labeling, but the labeling reaction also works in non-purified protein solutions (including cell lysates).

Troubleshooting for Labeling in vitroSolubilityIf solubility problems occur with the SNAP-tag fusion protein, we recommend testing a range of pH (pH 5.0–pH 10.0) and ionic strengths. The salt concentration may also need to be optimized for your particular fusion protein (50–250 mM).

Loss of Protein Due to Aggregation or Sticking to TubeIf stickiness of the fusion protein is a problem, we recommend adding Tween 20 at a final concentration of 0.05% to 0.1%. The SNAP-tag activity is not affected by this concentration of Tween 20.

Incomplete LabelingIf exhaustive labeling of a protein sample is not achieved using the recommended conditions, try the following protocol modifications: Increase the incubation time to two hours total at 25°C or to 24 hours at 4°C; or halve the volume of protein solution labeled. Both approaches may be combined. If poor labeling continues, we recommend checking the activity of the SNAP-tag using SNAP-Vista Green.

If the SNAP-tag fusion has been stored in the absence of DTT or other reducing agent, or has been stored at 4°C for a prolonged period, its activity may be compromised. Include 1 mM DTT in all solutions of the SNAP-tag fusion protein, and store the fusion protein at -20°C.

Using less than the recommended amount of substrate stock solution can significantly slow down the reaction rate.

Loss of Activity of Protein of InterestIf the fusion protein is particularly sensitive to degradation or to loss of activity, try reducing the labeling time or decreasing the labeling temperature. We recommend overnight incubation when labeling at 4°C.